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by Stanley Holloway (1929)
Illustrations by Bill Tidy and John Hassall
The Duke of Wellington (Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley) was a career soldier, spending much of his life fighting and killing people (see also Old Sam's Christmas Pudding). Yet in this story, he knew that soft words were in order.
The Battle of Waterloo against Napoleon was about to begin and perhaps the Duke sensed there would be significant loss of life (190,000 soldiers fought on both sides, of which 62,000 were killed or wounded).
Also known as Sam, Pick Oop Tha' Musket, this monologue was first performed at the London Palladium in 1929. It was Stanley Holloway's first monologue about Sam Small and he made a recording of it in the following year.
It occurred on the evening before Waterloo All excepting one man, who was in the front rank, As Sergeant walked past he was swinging his arm, | |
"Pick it oop," said Sergeant, abrupt like but cool, "Sam, Sam, pick oop tha' musket!" The sound of high words "Sam, Sam, pick oop tha' musket," It caused quite a stir when the Captain arrived "Sam, Sam, pick oop tha' musket." |
Gradeley, lad |
The same thing occurred when the Major and Colonel Up rode the Duke on a lovely white 'orse, "Sam, Sam, pick oop tha' musket," "All right, Duke," said Old Sam, "just for thee I'll oblige, |
One of the most popular stories of Waterloo; Les Misérables